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Military Enlisted Salary in Fort Wayne, IN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fort Wayne's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Fort Wayne β€” Key Numbers

$34,440
Median Salary
$24,780
25th Percentile
$47,712
75th Percentile
$62,160
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-16.0%
Fort Wayne median household income$57,600
vs. City household income-40.2%

Cost of Living in Fort Wayne

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.6%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$200,000
Home Price / Salary5.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$40,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Fort Wayne

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
410,000
Metro Population
20 min
Avg Commute
35.8
Median Age

Fort Wayne has a metro population of 410,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Indiana Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Fort Wayne, IN?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Fort Wayne is $34,440 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Fort Wayne's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $24,780 (25th percentile) to $47,712 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,160.

Is Fort Wayne affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $34,440 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Fort Wayne would spend approximately 29.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $200,000 is 5.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Fort Wayne's overall income?

Fort Wayne's median household income is $57,600. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $34,440 earns 40.2% less than the typical Fort Wayne household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Fort Wayne has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.